Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I was at a meeting in the OECD last weekend with a number of Deputies. The organisation has much objective analysis available to Governments and members of parliaments throughout Europe. Some of it is very valuable.

It is two years since the Government published its commitment to reduce the cost of administrative red tape in business by 25%. Has the Government ever carried out a baseline study of the cost of business in Ireland due to regulation? It is very important given that businesses are drying up by the day, for a variety of reasons. Has the Taoiseach received a report on how far the Government has advanced in bringing about the 25% reduction in red tape for business?

Has the Government considered reducing government costs, be they associated with regulation or applications for licences? Businesses state these costs are the cause of severe difficulties for them at a time of financial pressure. What has the Government done to consider the cost of doing business and has it any intention of reducing costs, such as the costs of regulation, applications for licences and the associated red tape, in areas in which it clearly has an input?

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